Nonspecific ulcerative colitis

Nonspecific ulcerative colitis is a fairly common disease that is accompanied by inflammation of the mucosa of the colon and rectum with gradual, progressive destructive changes. To date, this disease is a very serious problem, since its exact causes and effective ways of complete cure have not yet been revealed.

Nonspecific ulcerative colitis and its causes

As already mentioned, there is no single opinion on this score. The exact causes of the disease are not yet known. Although the researchers were able to identify some groups of risk:

• It is believed that the cause may be viral infections;
• Do not exclude the role of heredity;
• In some cases, ulcerative colitis can be caused by an intense allergic reaction, as a result of which the immune system begins to attack its own cells;
• There is an opinion that such a disease can be caused by a violation of the integrity of the intestinal mucosa;
• There is also evidence that smoking people suffer from colitis four times more often than non-smokers;
• The connection with surgical intervention is also traced - colitis can be triggered by the removal of the appendix or tonsils.

Nonspecific ulcerative colitis: symptoms

The most striking feature of the disease are disorders of the stool. Patients often complain of diarrhea, which is especially worse in the evening and at night. It is worth noting that when colitis in the stool there are always impurities of mucus and blood. Sometimes patients also complain of frequent urge to defecate and a feeling of incomplete bowel movement.

Severe bleeding is rare, since large blood veins or arteries are not damaged during illness. But the constant loss of a small amount of blood along with feces can cause anemia.

Nonspecific ulcerative colitis is rarely accompanied by pain. Nevertheless, some patients complain of discomfort in the lower abdomen or slight cramping pains that occur before defecation.

Naturally, the disease affects the work of the whole organism. Colitis is accompanied by increased fatigue, loss of appetite, rapid loss of weight, weakness and malaise. Sometimes patients complain of swelling and abdominal pain during palpation. In especially severe cases, colitis leads to dehydration, disruption of the water-salt balance, severe weakness and loss of muscle tone.

Nonspecific ulcerative colitis: diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis of such a disease is a rather lengthy process. First of all, the patient must take samples of feces for analysis. Colonoscopy, irrigoscopy and sigmoidoscopy are also recommended, which allow to assess the state of the intestinal mucosa. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe a biopsy.

As for the methods of treatment, everything depends on the severity and stage of the disease. At the initial stages only conservative treatment is used. Patients are shown the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. Sometimes used and corticosteroids, in particular, the drug "Prednisalon." During periods of exacerbation of colitis, the daily amount of drugs can increase.

In severe conditions, if conservative methods have no effect, the patient may be assigned a surgical procedure. The operation is indicated in cases where ulcerative colitis is accompanied by extensive bleeding. And also if there is a marked infectious lesion or a rupture of the intestine.

Nonspecific ulcerative colitis: diet

In fact, the treatment of such a disease does not require any strict diet. It is only necessary to follow a few simple rules that will help reduce discomfort and stop the exacerbation. People with a similar diagnosis are advised to give preference to light foods, which are quickly absorbed by the intestines. The diet should be dominated by eggs, potatoes, fish, rice, etc.

But it is worth noting the use of milk and dairy products - this will help alleviate symptoms such as bloating and diarrhea.

Of course, patients with colitis should be constantly observed by a doctor.